Thursday, January 28, 2016

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN

Federal agents left with more documents from City Hall and met with city firefighters this month as their investigation of the King Street and King Fuels demolitions expands.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency criminal investigations agents met with Corporation Counsel Kevin Glasheen and requested records, John Salka, a spokesman for Mayor Patrick Madden, said Tuesday."The EPA representative requested some additional information," Salka said.The documents were provided and since then, Salka said, "We have not heard back."The EPA, FBI, state Labor Department and state Department of Environmental Conservation agents have been examining the removal of asbestos from 4-10 King St. downtown and at the King Fuels site in South Troy when demolition occurred in 2013.
We understand people want us to comment on this story, but there very little here. While some are prone to prematurely ejaculate over such stories, we do not. We know the EPA was looking into possible issues in asbestos abatement at King Street and the King Fuels site, as they should. We're just glad they weren't pulled out of Troy and sent to Flint. Whenever things are slow in the western tier, the Feds show up, ask a few questions, grab some paper and leave again for six months.

We also guarantee, as a commenter noted, that the only possible thing that will come from this investigation, if anything, is a fine levied against the City of Troy for not having the proper air monitoring equipment at the King Street demolition (with one possible exception discussed below).

The demolition at both sites was performed by contractors. If contractors make a mistake they are bonded and have named Troy as an additional insured, agreeing to defend and indemnify the city. Typically, the EPA may prosecute municipalities in a hybrid civil/criminal proceeding. If guilty, the municipality is fined. No one goes to jail.

We agree that the events leading to the demolition at King Street are suspect and should be thoroughly investigated. The speed in which it happened was inexplicable. However, criminal? No reasonable person has put forth a theory about any crime being committed that doesn't involve Don Boyajian and bribery. As you may know, Don Boyajian, partner in Dreyer, Boyajian*, was the owner of the demolished property. If you know Boyajian you know such a theory is absurd. Don Boyajian is not endangering his law license and freedom for a building. Besides, Boyajian is an ethical man. The very idea is absurd as we'll learn when this is over. Those who say otherwise are defame a good man. If you want to accuse him of bribery do it publicly, put your name on the accusation and write a letter to the editor. But you won't.

Our theory is simple and, like evolution and gravity, only a theory: It may be wrong but it fits Troy's political character. Fire chief Garrett does not like for City Engineer Russ Reeves. Reeves does not like Garrett. In fact, it really goes beyond dislike. We believe Garrett took advantage of Reeves vacation and gave him a good old, "fuck you." Why patrons of Bombers were potentially endangered in this feud is beyond us and grossly irresponsible. While asbestos abatement was performed at the King Street site, the contractor did not have an air monitor. Not much of a comfort for those in possible danger.

We'll be the first to condemn any criminal behavior found during this investigation. However, we suspect that the most that will happen is that Troy will be fined by the EPA. We doubt even that will happen. It is certainly not something the City needs at this time.

By the by, does anyone remember Harry ordering the old Cinema Art marquee taken down because Reeves determined it was unsafe. Then, it took Reeves*, a wrecking ball and the Army Corps. of Engineers a week to knock the thing down? Those were good times. Interestingly, the records subpoenaed by the Feds included records from the last year or two of the Tutunjian Administration.

* Ironically, Craig Crist, brother of Rich Crist, is Boyajian's partner. The firm is also known as a 'Republican firm', defending such Republicans as Joe Bruno. ** It wouldn't surprise us if Reeves contacted the Feds and started this nonsense.

50 comments:

The last sentence of this post is a fact that's been consistently overlooked. The Feds are just as "interested" in certain demolitions that took place under the Tutunjian administration. Which is pretty funny considering whose tantrum got this started in the first place.

This concerned citizen finds it difficult to believe that it is only the King Street demo that brings the Feds to town. Remember it was the FBI that caught one city official red handed taking doo dads for his then in progress renovation. Why were they here then? Just to catch a thief down by the riverside? Me thinks there was more to this story then and now. Can't wait for the movie version of this saga to come out. Some say it will be a musical since the main character is such a song and dance man.

You're a funny fucker whoever writes this blog. You just bloviated through this whole story about nothing being done wrong and everything's OK maybe a fine slap on the wrist or nothing will happen.then in the last paragraph you shoot yourself in the foot. We know 4 state and federal agencies have been looking into King Street and South Troy demolition. Where's your proof about Harry?

PS that fine human being Boyajian that you just about blew in the story. I never saw a man sweat through his suit until I sat behind Boyajian as he gave testimony. His suit jacket was soaked.

Another Tidbit that everyone is not telling the Tax Payers is that Rich Christs brother is a Lawyer in Boyajian Law Office two And The Kellehers Are in Baileys Law Office who got all the law suits litigation at the tune of 400 Dollars an hour are you paying attention When these lawyers abuse the public trust and there is dozens of them in RENSCO that's RICO Acts criminal McNultys are Lawyers too !~~!

The client (the city, aka the taxpayers) DO get billed for the deductible, which is hefty. Nice try Harry, we know what you cost the taxpayers. Don't forget the higher premiums we pay because of the lawsuits generated by your unethical bullshit!

I would like to ask all city employees to start to post the arrival time of people you work with that are late everyday. It's unreal how these city employees wonder in and out of the building all day long. Please post names also.

Speaking of asbestos 7:45, didn't asbestos get released in the air when the illegal demolition of city hall back in 2010? Not one of Tuts pals had anything to say about that dangerous situation, yet 5 years later you hypocrites are now worried about it. Typical hypocrisy from Troys worse

What's the matter Harry? Does the truth hurt? You are the only person who still lives in your dream world, you know, that dream world where your a good person! I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a cheeseburger today!

To read theses posts this is what I came up with, Boyajian is an ethical man, Russ Reeves isn't, a fine will be a slap on the wrist because somehow the taxpayers won't have to pay for it, there was no crime here because .....some people say so, the federal agents are lazy and just picking up some forms from city haul, Mr. Dunne is well respected and is a scapegoat for some reason and as always it's Harry's fault and he needs extenze to watch wrestling. This people could be right off the Cox manifesto!

734 That about right. Think you got it. Do you have any evidence Boyajian isn't ethical? I do think a pissed-off Russ Reeves ran to the Feds. King Street was demolished very quickly with questionable air quality control measures. The EPA rightly, once alerted, looked in to it. Its been three years of investigations and they are wrapping things up. Your scenario requires a vast criminal conspiracy involving Garrett and others to tear down a building Garrett had the authority to tear down, a well-known and respected lawyer bribing officials...

Does anyone know how many investigations the Feds do? Do you know how many result in a finding of criminality? That's their job but far more are closed than result in anything, especially when the investigation is obviously political, instigated by Reeves and someone who wanted to unseat Rosamilia. Nothing will come of this and then all of you will fade away and not say a word. When that happens, Reeves and co. should be billed for the waste of time.

While the events leading to the demolition are somewhat questionable, the concern over asbestos exposure is ridiculous. Ultra-short term exposure to white asbestos(Crysotile)is no more dangerous than a few flights to Denver. The only benefit of having the EPA inspectors wasting all this time is they have less opportunity to harass other productive manufacturers in the areas.

hes the only one obsessed with harry, he has nothing to add to any conversation except to bad mouth and make fun of Harry. He needs to worry about his own backyard before he passes judgement on anyone.

I'll agree that Harry is odd. But is Troy really better since he was in n office? Harry Deputy Mayor was really better for Troy. He was the brains. Look back at Lansingburgh now vs 6 years ago. It's dramatically different. I would bring Dan back in a minute.

"Bad mouthing and making fun of Harry" I think it's more about MANY Troy residents calling Tut out for the horrible way he acted and treated people during his time as mayor. Is it really bad mouthing and making fun of someone when.you remind people how horrible Tut was? The condition of Randys backyard is irrelevant, it doesn't change the fact that Tut was a horrible mayor who treated people horribly! Harry is so pitiful he thinks that by constantly changing the subject and deflecting away his nastiness, that people will forget what a horrible man he is. Well that's not happening!